Fireproof building construction



mi. 62!,680. Patented Mar. 2|,1899.

J.JOHN. I

HREPROOF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.

(Applicatlon filed Oct, 14, 1898.)

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(No Model.)

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J/\/ 1 5 N To 1?. JAMES JOHN .No. 62!,680. Patented Mar. 2|, I899.

J. JOHN. FIREPROOF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.

(Application filed Oct. 14, 189B.)

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JAMES JOHN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-FOURTH TO JOHN HEWITT, OF SAME PLACE.

FlREPROOF-BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 621,680, dated March 21, 1899.

Application filed October.14,.18 9 8- To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES JOHN, a citizen of the United States, residing in Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented 'a new and useful Improvement in Fireproof -Building Construction, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in the construction of fireproof buildings composed of a steel framework supporting horizontal or floor and ceiling partitions of fireproof construction.v Heretofore in such fireproof buildings the floors andceilin gs or horizontal partitions have generally been made of hollow-tile or burnt-clay work laid in the form of a fiat or approximately flat arch extending from steel beam to steel beam, the plaster ceiling being applied to the lower surface of the fiat arch in the ordinary way of plastering and the hard-wood or other floor finish being applied to the upper surface of the tile arch, the arch being relied upon to support itself, the ceiling, and floor, and whatever weight may be placed upon the floor, and heretofore considerable objection and difficulty have been experienced in the prac tical use of such flat arch-tile horizontal partition or floor and ceiling construction, both from its inadequate strength and from its lack of proper fire-resisting qualities, especially when in case of fire water is thrown upon the heated tilework or where from any cause one floor is caused to give way, its fall carrying with it every floor beneath.

The object of my invention is to provide a floor and ceiling or horizontal partition construction for such steel-framework fireproof buildings which will be of asimple, efficient, and durable nature, which may be constructed or erected at much less cost than those heretofore in use and which at the same time will be very much stronger in resisting all I sorts of strains to which it may be naturally subjected in use, and which will have much better fire and water resisting qualities or capabilities than the ordinary constructions heretofore employed and with which there can be little or no danger of the floor giving way or being materially injured when water 50 is thrown upon it in a heated condition in Serial No. 698,554. (No model.)

case of fire, and in which also theconstruction may be comparatively light, so as to diminish as much as possible the necessary load upon the steel framework, and thus reduce the cost of such framework.

My invention consists in the means I employ to accomplish this important object or result-that is to say, my improved fireproof horizontal partition or floor and ceiling construction consists of the following parts, devices, or ingredients, all united and combined into one harmonious whole, so as to mutually reinforce, complement, and strengthen each other and the unitary structure produced by their combination, viz: a steel framework; a ceiling-layer of plastering or other plastic material extending from beam to beam of the framework; an open mesh, strong wire, or metallic fabric extending through the ceilinglayer of plastering and from beam to beam of the framework, and preferably near the lower surface of such plaster layer, so that the body of the plaster layer will be principally above the wire-netting; a continuous integral cellwork structure of concrete or cement with the webs of the cells vertical and extending from beam to beam of the framework, preferably at right angles to each other, the depth of the cells or height of the webs being approximately about the Vertical height ofthe vertical webs of the flanged steel beams of the framework; light flat bars or strips of. steel or metal resting on the lower flanges of the steel beams and extending from beam to beam in the. transverse or shorter webs of the concrete or cement cellwork structure, which bars materially strengthen the structure as a whole, as these bars are placed edgewise in the webs; an open mesh strong wire or metal fabric or netting extending from beam to beam of the framework and over the concrete or cement cellwork, and a top or cover layer of concrete or cement integrally united with the concrete or cement cellwork through the meshes of the upper wire or metal fabric 5 and preferably extending over the upper flanges of they metal beams of the framework and over the cement or concrete cellwork;

In practicing or constructing my invention after the steel framework has been erected I first put up a level platform or false work of wood, employing, preferably, for this purpose boards having a comparatively rough upper surface, so that the lower surface of the plaster layer laid on such platform or woodwork may be properly molded with the roughness of the boards to receive the finish or hard coat of plaster. This wood platform or false work extends under the whole surface of the horizontal partition or floor or ceiling to be con-- structed. The lower wire or metal fabric is then put in position, the same resting upon thelower fianges of thehorizontal metal beams of the framework and upon the wooden platform or false work and points. In order that the lower flanges of the horizontal metal beams of the framework may have additional insulation from heat and protection from fire, I ordinarilyfold around the lower flange of each beam a strip of wire-netting or metal fabric and inclose between such strip and the flange some loose fibrous materialsuch as asbestos, excelsior, paper, &c.-so as to better form an air-space between the lower fiange of the beam and the plaster, cement, or concrete compris ing the lower layer of the structure. After the wire or metal fabric is in place I next apply from above in a plastic state the lower or ceiling layer of plaster, cement, or concrete, the plastic material being easily, quickly, and cheaply poured down from above upon the wood platform or false work and spread to a uniform thickness over the platform and under the lower flanges of the metal beams of the framework. The metal bars which extend transversely from metal beam to metal beam of the framework are then placed in position at proper distances apart to register with the longitudinal webs of cement or concrete cellwork next to be formed. A series of tapering wooden blocks or cores are next arranged in rows between the ed gewise metal bars and at the proper distance apart to form the cells and longitudinal and transverse webs of the cellular concrete or cement work. The lower or smaller ends of these core-blocks are slightly embedded in the plastic material of the lower or ceiling layer first formed, so that these core-blocks will properly remain in position while the semifiuid or plastic cement or concrete material is being filled in around the core-blocks. The semifiuid or plastic concrete filling is next applied from above, the same filling all the interstices or places between the core-blocks and also between the core-blocks and the steel beams of the framework, and as the plastic material of the eement or concrete cellwork unites with the still plastic material of the lower or ceiling layer the cellwork becomes integral with said lower layer. After the plastic material of the cellwork has been properly packed or compressed between the core-blocks and the framework and slightly hardened, so that the vertical webs will properly retain their shape, the wood core-blocks are all removed, their tapering shape permitting this to be done without injury to the webs. The tapering shape of the core-blocks also serves to give to the vertical webs of the cellular structure a tapering or pyramid shape, the Webs being thickest at their base, which adds to their strength. I next apply the upper wire or metal fabric, the same extending over the Whole surface from beam to beam and over the cellwork, the wire or metal network being preferably folded or bent around the upper flanges of the beams of the framework. I next apply the coveringlayer of cement, concrete, or other plastic material, this being preferably done by first spreading a layer of the plastic material upon a plastering-board, say one foot wide by three feet long, or such dimensions as can be conveniently handled, and then quickly turning the board upside down and depositing the plastic material in position upon the wirenetting or metal fabric, the same then uniting itself integrally with the top edge of the cellular structure and embedding itself in the upper metal fabric. This coveringlayer thus applied is provided with or mixed with some fibrous material, such as excelsior or jute, to cause it to adhere together before it is put in position or deposited upon the wire-netting or metal fabric and the cellular structure below. After the coveringlayer has thus been applied the coveringlayer is built up or increased in thickness to any extent desired by applying further layers thereto. The wood strips to which the wood floor is to be nailed, if a wood floor is to be employed, are of course embedded in the uppermost coat or layer of the covering layer. By this means I am enabled to produce at comparatively small cost an exceedingly strong, effective, and durable fireproof floor or construction, as all the plastic material is applied from above, so that gravity aids the spreading and proper compressing of the material and as, in a sense, the whole structure is simply made by depositing repeated layers of plastic material upon a suitable foundation, base, or platform; and as all the different layers or parts of the plastic material are integrally united together while in a plastic condition, the structure produced is one of extreme rigidity and strength, and as all the webs of the cellular structure extend in vertical planes all the material of the filling between the metal beams is disposed in such way asto give the greatest strength for the weight and quantity of material employed; and the lower and bottom layers, integrally united with the cellular structure between and reinforced as they are by the wire-netting or metal fabric embedded therein,serve to give great additional strength and rigidity to the structure on much the same principle as a box is strengthened by nailing or securing the bottom and cover thereto.

In the accompanying drawings, which form apart of this specification and in which similar letters of reference indicate like parts, Figure 1 is a plan View of a fireproof-building construction embodying myinvention,"

showing in partthe successive layers or stages or steps of construction. Fig. 2 is a vertical section on line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail section on line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig.

4 is an enlarged detail section on line 4 at of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a detail view of a portion of one of the metal bars which extend edgewise in the vertical web of the cellwork. Fig. 6 is a detail view of a portion of the wire-netting whichI prefer to employ as the metal fabric, and Fig. 7 isa small detail plan of the steel framework. Fig. 8 is a detail vertical section framework A A and which is used in prac-' ticing, erecting, or building my improved fireproof floor and ceiling or horizontal partition construction. I

B is the strip of metal fabric or wire-netting, the edges of which are folded over the lower flanges aof the framework-beams A A, and 1) represents a filling of some light loose material-suchas asbestos, excelsior, paper, &c.to better insulate the lower flanges of the framework-beams from the heat and to better form an air-space between the metal framework-beam and the lower or ceiling layer 0 of plastic material.

D is the lower metal fabric, preferably a strong wire-netting with large open meshes, say, two or three inch mesh, so that comparatively heavy wires may be employed, such as may be galvanized, and thus protected from oxidation and destruction. This metal fabric rests at its edges upon the lower flanges a of the metal beams A A and extends through and is embedded in the lower layer 0 of the plaster, cement, concrete, or other plastic material forming such lower layer and preferably close to the lower surface of such layer.

E E are theedgewise-placed metal bars or strips extending in the transverse webs f in the cellular structure F. These met-a1 bars are preferably given a quarter twist E at their ends, so that the ends may rest flat upon the flanges a of the metal beams.

X are core-blocks, preferably of wood and slightly tapering,which are employed in forming the cells of the cellular structure F of the cement, concrete, or other plastic material. The transverse webs f of the cellular structure F may preferably be somewhat thicker than the longitudinal webs f.

G G are permanent blocks of concrete, tile,

or other suitable material, which in a measure serve as core-blocks and which are placed between the lower and upper flanges a a of the'framework-beams A between the edgewise-arranged metal bars or strips E. These permanent blocks remain in the structure and are preferably hollow to make them lighter and to afford air -,spaces to the webs a of beams A A. These blocks G permit the webs ff of the cellular structure toextend through onto the lower flanges aof the frameworkbeams and to the webs a thereof.

H represents the uppermost metal fabric or wire-netting, the same being preferably of the same construction as the lower one, excepting that it preferably extends in continuous strips or pieces over the whole surface of the horizontal partition or floor and ceiling structure from vertical wall to vertical wall of the building. This metal fabric H where it crosses the beams A is provided with folds or ofisets' h, about an inch in extent, to receive or embrace the upper flanges a of the framework-beams and so as to bring the metal fabric H on a level with the upper surface or edge of the cellular structure F, as the cellular structure F preferably does'not extend up quite so high as the upper surface of the framework-beams A. By thus depressing'the metal fabric H slightly, an inch or such matter, below the upper surface of the metal beams, the upper horizontal or covering layer K is given a shoulder or horizontal abutment, as it were, against the upper edges of the framework-beams, thus materially adding to the rigidity, stiffness, and strength of the structure as a whole.

h represents the fibrous material which extends through and is embedded in the covering-layer K, of cement, concrete, or other plastic material.

K K? represent successive layers or coats of the cover K to increase its thickness, they all being integrally united together and the lower one integrally united with the cellular structure F.

M Mare the floor-nailing strips embedded in the upper layer K of the cover-layer K, and N represents a wood floor nailed thereto.

It will be observed that in my improved construction there is not a bolt, clip, or device of any kind used to attach any wire or bearing-strip or bar and that the plastering or upper and lower layers and the webs of concrete being all united together form an absolute lock of one entire mass resting and having support on top of flanges or.beams, thus giving great strength, and that the webs being of so slight construction, a Portland cement concrete (or any hard-setting cement) can be used, makinga very strong, mechanical, and economical construction. 'I he metal bars add strength'at bottom of each transverse web of the concrete cellular structure and serve to strengthen and aid in supporting the structure as a whole to the utmost extent, being on edge and firmly embedded in concrete the entire spacebetween beams. In the same way the wire extending from ICC beam to beam through plastering secures itself and needs no intermediate support, and as it is near the lower surface of the lower ceiling-layer it is impossible for the plaster ceiling to fall.

I believe it to be new with me in fireprooffloor construction of the idea of setting forms to enable the making of webs of concrete in one solid mass from flange to flange of beam and from end to end of same and forming one united mass in connection with the upper layer and the lower ceiling of plastering. It is also a valuable feature of my invention that the cement or mortar stafi covering of cells after the wooden forms are removed in connection with heavy wire-netting having a large mesh by spreading mortar on a board the required thickness and turning the board over on top of the cells while the cement or mortar is yet plastic, thus uniting this again and further strengthening the top line of the webs, and so continue to top surface of the structure, thus making one entire united continuous mass. By this construction I secure more strength and absolute security against fire and more open space is obtained between beams than by any other construction where filling between beams is used. More open space being obtained, theweight the framebeams have to carry is far less and beams can be of lighter weight and the construction is materially less expensive as a Whole, thus affording a saving of cost in beams and also a saving in cost of construction in making the much-desired level surface on the under side of iron beams and at the same time obtaining an absolute protection to beams against the action of fire. Further, with proper oversight of the mixing of concrete no skilled labor is required from the putting on of an absolute level surface of rough plastering to the top of entire construction, the principal feature being to construct a proper and suitable surface or center of false work on which to build. I further claim great superiority andeconomy in the method of this entire construction, the spreading of the material in all cases being aided by gravitation in the execution of the work, the plastering or ceiling layer in particular being benefited by this method, and, further, the wire-netting extending through the plastering close to its bottom surface, should a fire occur and the plastering-surface be impaired by the throwing on of water the plastering above the wire will not be seriously impaired and cannot fall 0E and webs cannot be seriously impaired. So to make the same good after a serious fire will simply mean one or two coats of plastering, as the fireproofing between beams cannot to any great extent be impaired, as it is a well-known fact that a good cinder-cement concrete stands the action of fire and water equal-to any known materials used for firethe beams need not be as thick as those ex tending transversely from beam to beam, the principle being that strength is attained by uniting the top cover to cells on the same principle as a wooden box constructed of frail material is strengthened when the lid is nailed on.

I claim- 1. The improved fireproof horizontal partition or floor and ceilingconstruction, consisting in the combination with the frame-beams, of a lower or ceiling layer extending between and under the framework-beams, a metal fabric extending between the beams and embedded in said lower layer, a cellular structure of plastic material having upright transverse and longitudinal webs integrally united with said lower layer and extending between the framework-beams, a covering-layer of plastic material extending over and between the beams and integrally united with said cellular structure, and a metal fabric extending over the cellular structure and embedded in said covering-layer,substantially as specified.

2. The improved fireproof horizontal partition or floor and ceiling construction, consisting in the combination with the frame-beams, of a lower or ceiling layer extending between and under the framework-beams, a metal fabric extending between the beams and embedded in said lower layer, a cellular structure of plastic material having upright transversev and longitudinal webs integrally united with said lower layer and extending between the framework-beams, a covering-layer of plastic material extending over and between the beams and integrally united with said cellu- IOC lar structure, a metal fabric extending over the cellular structure and embedded in said covering-layer, and metal bars or strips embedded edgewise in webs of said cellular structure, substantially as specified.

3. The improved fireproof horizontal partition or floor and ceiling construction, consisting in the combination with the frame-beams, of a lower or ceiling layer extending between and under the framework-beams, a metal fabric extending between the beams and embedded in said lower layer, a cellular structure of plastic material having upright transverse and longitudinal webs integrally united with said lower layer and extending between the framework-beams, a covering-layer of plastic material extending over and between the beams and integrally united with said cellularstructure, a metal fabric extending over the cellular structure and embedded in said covering-layer and strips of metal fabric folded around the lower flanges of the framework and inclosing an insulating material, substantially as specified.

4. The fireproof horizontal partition or floor and ceiling construction, comprising in combination with the framework-beams, and an integral filling structure having horizontal lower and upper layers and a cellular struc- IIC ture between its upper and lower layers having transverse and longitudinal webs extending between said framework-beams in both directions and between said upper and lower layers, substantially as specified.

5. The fireproof horizontal partition or floor and ceiling construction, comprising in combination the framework-beams, and an integral filling structure having horizontal lower and upper layers and a cellular structure between its upper and lower layers having transverse and longitudinal webs, the vertical webs of said cellular structure extending from framework-beam to framework-beam, and being integrally united with said upper and lower layers, substantially as specified.

6. The fireproof horizontal partition floor and ceiling construction, comprising in combination the framework-beams, and an integral filling structure having horizontal lower and upper layers and acellular structure between its upper and lower layers, and metal bars or strips embedded edgewisein the webs of said cellular structure, substantially as specified.

7. The fireproof horizontal partition floor and ceiling construction, comprising in combination the framework-beams, and an integral filling structure having horizontal lower and upper layers and a cellular structure between its upper and lower layers having transverse and longitudinal webs, and a metal fabric extending between the frameworkbeams and embedded in said lower layer of said integral filling, substantially as specified.

8. The fireproof horizontal partition floor and ceiling construction, comprising in combination the framework-beams, and an integral filling structure having horizontal lower and upper layers and a cellular structure between its upper and lower layers having transverse and longitudinal webs, and a metal fabric embedded in the upper layer of said integral filling and provided with offsets or shoulders to receive or embrace the upper flanges of the framework-beams, substantially as specified.

9. The improved process or method herein shown and described of constructing horizontal partitions for floors and ceilings of fireproof buildings, consisting in first forming the lower or ceiling layer of the structure of plastic material upon a platform or false work, then applying removable core-blocks, then molding a cellular structure with vertical transverse and longitudinal webs upon said lower or ceiling layer and extending from framework-beam to framework-beam, and then removing the core-blocks and finally applying a covering-layer of plastic material,

substantially as specified.

' JAMES JOHN.

WVitnesses:

H. M, MUNDAY, L. E. CURTIS. 

